Every business has a plethora of small appliances. The kettles, microwaves and photocopiers that sit in almost every office serve faithfully for the most part. For most business owners, portable appliance testing is a thought that just doesn’t come to mind.
Small appliances may seem like inconsequential devices in the scheme of a business’s occupational health and safety plan, but they can be the cause of serious accidents. When these appliances fail, they pose the same risk as any electrical device or system – being small doesn’t make the risk go away.
Testing to cover legal angles
Electrical testing serves more than one purpose for businesses. While the testing itself is important, ensuring that staff, customers and property are kept as safe as possible, the carrying out of these tests serves a useful purpose legally if an accident occurs. By having appliances regularly tested for safety, businesses safeguard themselves in an event of an accident, showing that they have taken all reasonable steps to keep the workplace safe.
How often should appliances be tested?
One test isn’t going to last forever, so the question that usually follows ‘why should appliances be tested?’ is ‘how often should tests be done?’
The answer lies in how old the appliance is, and how often it is used. Appliances that are used most or all of the day, every day will need to be tested every few months. Appliances used less frequently will need less frequent testing. The type of appliance is also a consideration. It’s best to consult a testing service for advice.
